Question

How long can I keep mated queens with attendants in a queen cage for? Or is there a better solution?

So, I’ve got nine newly mated queens that I need to remove from my queen castles because I have ripe cells to replace them with tomorrow (day 10). I am going to use the mated queens to replace old queens, but the forecast is terrible for opening hives for a seek and destroy mission tomorrow. And Im going hunting on Monday....

6 answers to this question

Recommended Posts

How long can I keep mated queens with attendants in a queen cage for? Or is there a better solution?

So, I’ve got nine newly mated queens that I need to remove from my queen castles because I have ripe cells to replace them with tomorrow (day 10). I am going to use the mated queens to replace old queens, but the forecast is terrible for opening hives for a seek and destroy mission tomorrow. And Im going hunting on Monday....

will they last until Tuesday, or do I need to set up a ‘bank’?

You will just have to cancel the hunting trip😂.

If that is not an option Tue should be fine. We sometimes keep queens for weeks by reescorting and refilling candy every week and giving them a drop of water every 2 days. Always best to use them within a week if possible.

Share on other sites

If that is not an option Tue should be fine. We sometimes keep queens for weeks by reescorting and refilling candy every week and giving them a drop of water every 2 days. Always best to use them within a week if possible.

Thanks mate (not about the hunting suggestion). Do you keep them in a box or something, or on top of a colony for warmth? Im guessing a box inside a house.